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A history of the
formation of the Markham Chinese Cultural Centre by the Federation
of Chinese Canadians in Markham (FCCM). When the FCCM was established
in 1989, one of its main objectives had been the promotion of Chinese
culture, not only among the Chinese of Canada, but also among the
other races of Canadian society. Better understanding of a culture
will promote better racial relationships. When the landlord of Market
Village approached FCCM to join them in the development of a Cultural
Centre in the space they wished to donate at Market Village, FCCM
was very happy to oblige. It was an ideal solution for realizing
their objective.
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After initial verbal negotiations,
Market Village confirmed their intentions in a letter to FCCM
on December 3, 1991, setting out a framework for the formation
of the Cultural Centre. In his responding letter of December
6, 1991, Dr. Ken Ng informed Market Village that their proposal
had been approved by the FCCM Board of Directors and expressed
appreciation for the landlord's generosity in donating the space.
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Meantime, fund raising began, For publicity, a series of Open Houses
was used to introduce the Centre to the community. On July 31, 1992,
a karaoke dinner was held. On September 6, 1992, a gala premiere
of "Super Cop" took place at Market Village's Golden Harvest Theatre.
Homelife Trustmark Realty Inc. donated the proceeds of its "green
products' sale to the Centre through arrangements with Dr. Ken Ng.
A grand fund raising party called "Caribbean Night" was held on
June 5, 1993. About $30,000.00 were raised for the initial operation
of the Centre. By April 1993, the Centre was ready to open.
Some Activities and
Programs of the Cultural Centre:
Music: Chinese opera
singing, etc.
Dance: Ballroom dancing,
line dancing, Chinese classical and folk dancing, etc.
Craft: Chinese Knotting,
Dough Flower, Doll making, Knitting & Crochet, etc.
Arts: Calligraphy,
painting classes for children and adults, cartoon drawings, etc.
Kung Fu: Tai Chi,
Children's Kung Fu/Lion Dance etc.
Special Holiday day-camp activities
Thus, the Cultural Centre was born from the co-operative efforts
of the FCCM Board of Directors. It was the fruit of teamwork, not
the work of one person alone. Its birth has been the highlight of
FCCM's existence.
| Interested
in volunteering? Want to learn new skills yourself or to enrol
your children in the Centre's classes? Please call Robert
Shek, the Centre's manager, at 905-946-1137 or
fax him at 905-946-9618.
The Markham Chinese Cultural Centre is located
at the second floor of Market Village
4350 Steeles Avenue East (Kennedy and Steeles), Markham, Ontario,
L3R 9V4
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